ParkFest

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July

ParkFest, our two-day summer art and music festival is the biggest event in our annual calendar, and marks the start of the UK’s National Parks Week.

This year's theme is 'bringing people together', so why not come along with your family and friends and try something new in the North York Moors? There are all sorts of events, workshops, family attractions and children's activities, spread across two days in the beautiful grounds of The Moors National Park Centre.

Artisan Art Fair (22-23 July, 11am-4pm)

ParkFest kicks off with our second pop-up Artisan Art Fair in the Centre's grounds, a celebration of North Yorkshire's creative artists and makers. Held in conjunction with Scarborough Arts Forum, it's an opportunity to browse and buy inspiring pieces of original art, meet the artists and makers, and watch them demonstrate their techniques.

Alongside the 12 talented artists, enjoy face painting, printmaking for adults and children, storytelling, poetry workshops, and music from The Rattlin' Sheiks.

Minibeast hunts, shelter building and Woodling crafts and trail will be running throughout the day!

Yorkshire singer-songwriter Rupert Stroud takes to the stage on Saturday evening along with Sheffield-based band The Buffalo Skinners, whose music stems from a shared passion for songwriting and singing in harmony.

Stroud has gained national attention after supporting high profiles bands such as Texas on the UK-leg of their tour and for his acoustic rock-inspired tracks being played on BBC’s 6Music and Radio 2. The Buffalo Skinners draw influence from 60’s Rock n Roll, Folk, Blues and whatever else they’ve been listening to recently and are appearing as part of their current European tour.

Tickets are £13 (including parking) per adult and £6 for children aged 14. Online booking available. Concert goers are welcome to bring their own chairs and picnic.

Tickets also available on the door.

Family fun day (23 July, 11am-4pm)

Join us on Sunday for our ever-popular free family fun day, when we showcase local food, moorland crafts and culture, wildlife and conservation, and National Park projects.

Woodlings and the Wish Dragon Trail - find the fairy houses in Crow Wood, listen to a story about these mischievous creatures, then go and make a wish and tell it to our resident dragon.

Food and produce

Sample some of the gorgeous local produce we sell in The Moors Centre shop, including tastings galore of locally-produced food and spirits

The Whitby Deli – showcasing the best of Yorkshire's produce, from chutneys, jams and preserves to sweet and savoury treats, artisan chocolates and food cupboard essentials

Yogurt Delights – frozen yoghurt dessert served with a choice of fruit and delicious low fat yogshakes available to buy

Wildlife, nature and conservation

Meet the National Park Rangers and Volunteer Service – and go out on our 'Ranger Patrol Trail'. There are sheep-shearing demonstrations throughout the day, as well as plant stalls.

Askham Bryan College – Discover how to identify different heather varieties and all about moorland management

MOORSVIEW – Find out more about September's photography seminar, workshops and photo walks on the North York Moors and book your tickets!

Crafts

From face painting to dry stone wall demonstrations, there’s plenty to watch and join in with. Other highlights include:

Suzie Davey – printmaker and mural artist, have-a-go at printmaking (drop in anytime) and children's games

Commondale Wool Workshop – volunteer spinners, weavers, knitters, dyers, and felters who use wool from sheep on their farm, and donated wool from local farmers, to produce a variety of woolly items to sell, with proceeds going to local charities.